Discover Fascinating Brunei Darussalam Facts

Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei

Background

Brunei is a fascinating little country with a big history! 🏰 The Sultanate of Brunei ruled over important areas between the 15th and 17th centuries. During this time, they stretched their influence across the stunning coastlines of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. 🌊✨

Fast forward to 1888, when Brunei became a British protectorate, and then 1984, when it finally achieved independence! πŸŽ‰ It's pretty cool to note that the same royal family has been in charge for over 600 years. πŸ‘‘ Isn't that incredible?

Years of Influence

300

Year Became British Protectorate

1888

Year of Independence

1984

Years of Continuous Rule by Same Family

600

Exports - commodities

Brunei's economy is heavily reliant on its rich natural resources. 🌍 In 2022, the country exported a variety of commodities that play a crucial role in its economy. The main exports included:

  • Refined Petroleum: This vital product fuels not just vehicles but the economy itself!
  • Natural Gas: Brunei has reserves that make it a significant player in the global market for this essential energy source. πŸ’‘
  • Crude Petroleum: A raw form of oil that is transformed into various products we use every day.
  • Hydrocarbons: These are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon - they are the backbone of many energy products.
  • Fertilizers: These help in boosting agricultural productivity, showcasing Brunei's diverse export portfolio! 🌾

These commodities are essential for economic development and provide a snapshot of Brunei’s trade strengths.

Key Exports

Refined petroleum, Natural gas, Crude petroleum, Hydrocarbons, Fertilizers

Exports - partners

Brunei is known for its rich exports and has strong trade relationships with several countries! 🌏 In 2022, the top export partners were:

  • Australia: 19% of total exports
  • Japan: 17% of total exports
  • China: 16% of total exports
  • Singapore: 14% of total exports
  • Malaysia: 10% of total exports

This shows how important these countries are in Brunei's trade network! πŸ“Š Let's take a closer look at how these percentages add up. They all combine to represent the distribution of Brunei's exports among its partners! 🍊

Total Percentage of Top 5 Export Partners

76%

Brunei's Export Partners Distribution (2022)

Capital

🌟 Welcome to Bandar Seri Begawan, the enchanting capital city of Brunei! This vibrant city is not just the political center of the country, but also a place filled with rich culture and history. πŸ•Œ From stunning mosques to lush gardens, there's so much to explore in this beautiful capital. Did you know that it's named after a local Malay hero? Let's dive into the wonder of Bandar Seri Begawan! πŸŒ†

Imports - commodities

Brunei imports some important commodities that power its economy and make life more enjoyable! πŸš—πŸ’¨ Here's a closer look at what they bring in from other countries:

  • Crude Petroleum: A vital resource for fuel and energy.
  • Refined Petroleum: Processed for various uses, including transportation and heating.
  • Cars: Bringing in all kinds of vehicles enhances the local transport.
  • Coal: Used for energy production and other industries.
  • Gas Turbines: Essential for generating power efficiently.

These imports help keep the country running smoothly and connected to the rest of the world! 🌏✨

Main Imports

Crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cars, coal, gas turbines

Climate

Brunei experiences a tropical climate β˜€οΈ, which means it's hot and humid most of the year! 🌴🌧️ The rainy season brings plenty of rainfall, making the environment lush and vibrant. So, if you're planning to visit or live in Brunei, be prepared for warm weather and the occasional downpour! 🌦️

Executive branch

In Brunei, the chief of state and head of government is the same person! πŸ‘‘ The role is held by Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah, who has been in this position since 5 October 1967. That's over 55 years of leadership! 🀴✨

Years in Leadership

55 years

Since Date

5 October 1967

Legislative branch

In Brunei, the legislative branch consists of a unicameral Legislative Council with a total of 33 seats! πŸ›οΈ This means that all legislative duties are carried out within this single council, making it a crucial part of Brunei's government system. Each of the 33 members plays a significant role in the decision-making process for the nation. 🀝

Total Seats in Legislative Council

33

Natural resources

Brunei is rich in natural resources! 🌿 The country boasts a wealth of petroleum, natural gas, and timber. These resources are vital for its economy and contribute significantly to its wealth! πŸ’° Did you know that these resources are not just important for Brunei but also play a crucial role in the global market?

Economic overview

🌍 Brunei's Economic Overview 🌍

Brunei is an oil and gas powerhouse! πŸ›’οΈ Most of its economy revolves around these resources, which makes it a high-income country. πŸ’° The government plays a major role in employment, as most of the people work in public sector jobs.

Brunei also takes pride in its expansive and robust welfare system, ensuring that its citizens enjoy a good quality of life. 🌟 Recently, there's been exciting news about promoting a nationalized halal brand! πŸ‡§πŸ‡³

Additionally, Brunei is thinking about foraying into the world of finance with plans to establish a bond market and stock exchange. πŸ“ˆ This could bring new opportunities for growth and investment in the future! 🌱

Oil and Gas Economy

almost exclusively

Income Status

high income country

Welfare System

expansive and robust

Majority Workforce

the majority of the population works for the government

National Brand Initiative

promulgating a nationalized halal brand

Financial Developments

considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange

Government type

In Brunei, the government is an absolute monarchy or sultanate πŸ‘‘. This means that the Sultan of Brunei holds all the power and makes decisions without needing to consult anyone. Brunei is one of the few places in the world where this kind of government is still in place! The Sultan not only leads the country but also plays a significant role in its economy and traditions. Isn't it fascinating how a single person can have such a big influence on a nation? 🌍

Ethnic groups

In Brunei, the colorful tapestry of its people is primarily made up of three key ethnic groups πŸŽ‰: Malay is the largest, with 67.4% of the population identifying as Malay. 🌟 The Chinese community makes up 9.6%, bringing its own rich culture to the mix. 🌼 Lastly, the Other ethnic groups account for 23%, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of this vibrant nation! 🌈

Total Population Percentage Identifying as Malay

67.4%

Total Population Percentage Identifying as Chinese

9.6%

Total Population Percentage Identifying as Other

23%

Ethnic Composition of Brunei

Religions

In Brunei, the predominant religion is Islam, holding 82.1% of the population. πŸŒ™βœ¨ Other religions contribute to the vibrant tapestry of beliefs here, with Christianity at 6.7%, Buddhism at 6.3%, and several other faiths making up 4.9%. This diversity makes Brunei a unique place where multiple beliefs coexist harmoniously! πŸ€πŸ™

Percentage of Muslim Population

82.1%

Percentage of Christian Population

6.7%

Percentage of Buddhist Population

6.3%

Percentage of Other Religions

4.9%

Distribution of Religions in Brunei (2021)

Languages

In Brunei, the official language is Malay (Bahasa Melayu) πŸ‡§πŸ‡³. But that's not all! English and various Chinese dialects are also spoken 🎀. This rich tapestry of languages makes Brunei a unique place where cultures blend together. 🌍✨

Official Language

Malay (Bahasa Melayu)

Other Spoken Languages

English, Chinese dialects

Imports - partners

🌍 Let's explore the import partners of Brunei! In 2022, Brunei sourced its imports from several countries, each contributing different percentages to its economy. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Malaysia: 22% πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): 11% πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ͺ
  • China: 10% πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³
  • Singapore: 7% πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¬
  • Qatar: 6% πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦

This data shows the top partners for Brunei's imports, reflecting its trade relationships. Isn't it interesting to see how Brunei connects with these nations through trade? 🀝

Total Import Partners

5

Highest Import Partner

Malaysia (22%)

Lowest Import Partner

Qatar (6%)

Brunei's Import Partners (2022)

Population

πŸ“Š The total population of Brunei is 491,900! πŸ›οΈ This is the number of people living in this beautiful, small nation located on the island of Borneo. Brunei is known for its rich culture, stunning mosques, and peaceful lifestyle. Isn't it fascinating how a small population can lead to a close-knit community? 🌍

Total Population of Brunei

491,900

Area

🌍 Brunei's Area Breakdown 🌊

Brunei is a small but beautiful country with a total area of 5,765 sq km! This includes:

  • Land Area: 5,265 sq km 🌳
  • Water Area: 500 sq km πŸ’§

Brunei's landscape is quite diverse with lush greenery and wonderful waters. Let's dive deeper into these numbers!

Total Area

5765 sq km

Land Area

5265 sq km

Water Area

500 sq km

Brunei's Area Distribution

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

Brunei's economy is growing and it's reflected in its Real GDP! 🌟 Here are the latest estimates:

  • 2023: $35.26 billion
  • 2022: $34.771 billion
  • 2021: $35.347 billion

You can see that Brunei's economy fluctuated slightly, showing a bit of growth from 2022 to 2023! πŸ’°πŸ’Ή

Real GDP in 2023

35.26 billion USD

Real GDP in 2022

34.771 billion USD

Real GDP in 2021

35.347 billion USD

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) Over Time

Real GDP per capita

🌟 Brunei's Real GDP per capita shows how prosperous the country is! 🌟 Here’s a quick look at the recent figures:

  • 2021: $79,400 πŸ“ˆ
  • 2022: $77,400 πŸ“‰
  • 2023: $77,900 πŸ“Š

As we can see, there was a slight decline from 2021 to 2022, but the GDP per capita bounced back a little in 2023! πŸ“Š Let's keep an eye on this trend as it indicates the economic health of Brunei.

Real GDP per Capita (2023)

77,900 USD

Real GDP per Capita (2022)

77,400 USD

Real GDP per Capita (2021)

79,400 USD

Brunei's Real GDP per Capita (2021-2023)

Imports

🌍 Brunei's imports have been growing over the past few years! πŸ“ˆ Let's check out the numbers:

  • In 2020, imports were $6.382 billion.
  • In 2021, they increased to $9.219 billion.
  • By 2022, imports jumped to $10.106 billion! πŸŽ‰

This shows a rising trend in Brunei's imports, highlighting the country's growing demand for goods from around the world!

Brunei's imports in 2020

$6.382 billion

Brunei's imports in 2021

$9.219 billion

Brunei's imports in 2022

$10.106 billion

Brunei's Imports Over the Years

Exports

🌍 Brunei's exports have been steadily increasing over the past few years! Check out these amazing figures:

  • In 2020, Brunei's exports were worth $6.886 billion.
  • In 2021, the exports grew to $11.202 billion. πŸ“ˆ
  • By 2022, they reached an impressive $14.411 billion! πŸš€

This growth shows how Brunei is boosting its economy through trading with other countries! πŸ’Όβœ¨

2020 Exports

6.886 billion USD

2021 Exports

11.202 billion USD

2022 Exports

14.411 billion USD

Brunei's Export Growth Over Time

Population growth rate

Brunei is experiencing a population growth rate of 1.4% in 2024! 🌱 This means that the number of people living in Brunei is steadily increasing, making it a vibrant place to live and visit! πŸŽ‰

Population Growth Rate in 2024

1.4%